"How long will my website take?" is one of the most common questions we get. The answer depends on many factors. Here's a realistic look at website design timelines.
Realistic Timeline Ranges
| Website Type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Simple Business Site (5-7 pages) | 4-6 weeks |
| Standard Business Site (10-15 pages) | 6-8 weeks |
| Complex Business Site (20+ pages) | 10-14 weeks |
| E-commerce (under 100 products) | 8-12 weeks |
| E-commerce (100+ products) | 12-16 weeks |
| Custom Web Application | 12-24+ weeks |
Factors That Affect Timeline
Project Complexity
- Number of pages
- Custom functionality
- Third-party integrations
- E-commerce features
- Custom design vs. template
Content Readiness
- Is copy written or needs writing?
- Are photos ready or need shooting?
- Product data organized?
- Legal/compliance content approved?
Client Responsiveness
- How quickly can you provide feedback?
- Are decision-makers available?
- Approval processes?
Designer/Agency Capacity
- Current project load
- Team size
- Resource availability
Timeline Breakdown by Phase
Discovery: 1-2 weeks
Cannot be rushed—understanding the project correctly saves time later.
Design: 2-4 weeks
Includes revision rounds. More complex sites need more time.
Development: 3-8 weeks
Largest variable based on functionality requirements.
Testing/Launch: 1-2 weeks
Essential—don't cut this short.
Common Timeline Killers
- Content delays: Waiting for copy is #1 cause of delays
- Slow feedback: Each delay compounds
- Scope creep: Adding features mid-project
- Too many stakeholders: Committee decisions take longer
- Perfectionism: Endless revisions
How to Speed Up Your Project
- Have content ready before starting
- Limit decision-makers
- Respond to requests within 48 hours
- Consolidate feedback in one response
- Trust the process and your designer
- Stick to the agreed scope
Rush Projects
Need it faster? Consider:
- Reduced scope (launch with essentials, add later)
- Rush fees (typically 25-50% premium)
- Using a template vs. custom design
- Having all content ready day one
Setting Expectations
When planning your project:
- Build in buffer time
- Don't plan around immovable deadlines without discussing first
- Communicate timeline concerns early
- Understand that quality takes time
Ready to discuss your project timeline? Contact us for a realistic estimate.
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